brian kelly:
current migrations

May 2 - June 1, 2023

FIRST WEDNESDAY OPENING: May 3, FROM 6 - 9PM

ARTICULATE ARTIST TALK: SUNDAY, may 7, AT 4PM.

NORMAL GALLERY HOURS: TUE - SUN, 12PM - 6PM

FOLLOW US AT BRGALLERY FOR UPDATES AND IMAGES!

Brian Kelly, a celebrated printmaker, is known for his dynamic and expressive drawings, which form the basis of his printmaking practice. He draws inspiration from his travels, personal narratives, and the natural world, using these elements to create complex and layered compositions. While his work is rooted in personal experience, he does not expect the viewer to understand the underlying story behind each piece. Instead, he hopes that viewers will be drawn in by the energy and movement of the drawings, and will engage with the work on an emotional and intuitive level.

“In my estimation, image making is a journey into the unseen – never the unknown.
My work embraces the both the abstract and representational. The prints are narrative’s that talk about time, specific experiences and places that are social, personal, and political in nature. Figueitive and images of animals are adopted and personifed as specific characters within these narrative events to speak metaphorically about personal and social issues. These elements are presented in motionless state, as if they were specimens or scenes that become little glimpses of a world outside of, or removed from, the human realm. The compositions tend to be overflowing with imagery and seemingly chaotic but always grounded in a strong sense of structural formalism and a pure love for the rendering of form.” - Kelly

Brian Kelly received an M.F.A. in Printmaking from Louisiana State University, a B.F.A. in Printmaking from Northern Illinois University, and a Certificate in Waterless Lithography from the Tamarind Institute of Lithography. Professor Kelly serves as Head of the Printmaking program and is the Coordinator of Marais Press at UL Lafayette. Kelly holds the Universities Coca-Cola/BORSF Endowed Professorship and has been recognized as a University of Louisiana at Lafayette University Distinguished Professor (2010), a UL Lafayette Eminent Faculty for Leadership and Service (2017), has received the Dr. Ray P. Authement Excellence in Teaching Award (2019), and the UL Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award.

Learn more about Brian Kelly

This exhibition is presented alongside the latest works from James Burke, Sarah House, and Liz Lessner. All works from these artists are on view, free of charge, during regular gallery hours (12 - 6 p.m., Tue - Sun) from May 2 through June 1, 2023.